The General Entertainment Authority (GEA) launched the second edition of its Happiness Creators initiative at a ceremony in Riyadh on September 25.

Dedicated to developing human resources in the entertainment sector, the initiative includes educational and training programmes in cooperation with international universities and academies specialised in various fields of the entertainment sector.

Several memorandums of understanding and agreements were signed between GEA and a number of entities with the aim of enhancing cooperation and supporting employment in the entertainment arena, and training human resources to develop the sector.

The agreements were signed by Engineer Ayman Al-Mashhouri, Executive Vice President for Human Resources and Administrative Affairs at GEA, with representatives of the Human Resources Development Fund, the National Center for E-Learning, the Applied College of Imam Mohammed bin Saud Islamic University, King Abdulaziz University, and the Prince Mohammed Bin Salman College (MBSC) of Business & Entrepreneurship, Prince Sattam bin Abdulaziz University, and Al Yamamah University.

The ceremony also honoured a number of partners, including Al-Othaim Company, Al-Hokair Group, Huadi International Group Company Limited, First Entertainment Company (First Entertainment), Future Steps Entertainment, Comedy Club Company Limited, Creative Audio Entertainment Company (Vocal), Shira International Company, Al-Halaba Entertainment Company (Gamma), and TCG Master.

As part of the Happiness Creators, the programmes launched by GEA this year include Entertainment Leadership, which aims to develop the skills of company owners and employees who hold leadership positions in the entertainment sector. The program runs for up to six months and includes workshops, training courses, guidance sessions, and international field visits.

The Entertainment Fellowship is one of the prominent programmes offered by the initiative. Of four months duration, the program seeks to train those with intermediate experience through in-person workshops, distance learning, and international visits concerned with developing their skills in the entertainment fields, through harmonisation between theoretical education and direct practical application. The program is held in cooperation with international universities, companies, and a number of local and international entertainment industry leaders.

The initiative allows some trainees to participate in a qualifying programme that helps them secure a job in the entertainment industry. The programme consists of training packages over 12 months provided by specialists from prestigious international universities in the management of entertainment destinations, health and safety management at events, and design of entertainment experiences.

The new edition of the initiative holds more than 120 development courses. GEA begins receiving registration applications at the end of September, while the initiative’s programmes begin in November. – TradeArabia News Service